Department for Transport

Railways: Heathrow Airport

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many proposals for southern rail access to Heathrow were received in response to the Department for Transport’s call for market-led proposals, issuedon 20 March 2018; what the names ofsuch respondents were; and how many respondents have (1) contacted, and (2) been contacted by, the Department for Transport about those proposals since 13 December 2019.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: There were two processes carried out concurrently. The first was the Call for Ideas as part of the Market Led Proposals workstream, which was carried out by the Department to explore numerous scheme proposals across a broad range of transport regions and routes; the second was a Market Sounding process that focussed specifically on Southern Access to Heathrow (SAtH) (formerly Southern Rail Link to Heathrow). There were twenty-seven contributors to the Southern Rail Link to Heathrow Market Sounding response. The Market Sounding Findings Report was published by Nichols and Agilia in October 2018, which includes the list of contributors to the Market Sounding questionnaire. The responses provided as part of the process were done under commercial confidentiality provisions. The market sounding exercise did not call for specific proposals but sought to explore opportunities to access significant private sector funding sources beyond just rail passenger revenues, including those derived from wider non-rail benefits, and to understand the appetite of the private sector to share the risk of developing the Southern Access scheme. Following the Market Sounding exercise, in November 2019 the Department published eight Strategic Objectives for the Southern Access scheme and is working to develop a commercial model to bring a private sector partner into the design and delivery of the project. Throughout this process, we have engaged significantly with stakeholders, including a number of those who responded to the market sounding exercise.

Railways: Heathrow Airport

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made in assessing the Outline Business Case for a southern rail link to Heathrow Airport submitted by Heathrow Southern Railway Limited to the Department for Transport in September 2016.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: In September 2016, the Department received an unsolicited Outline Business Case for a rail link to Heathrow Airport from Heathrow Southern Railway Limited. Subsequently, two processes were undertaken regarding the development of a Southern Rail Link to Heathrow, forming the project now known as Southern Access to Heathrow (SAtH). The Market Led Proposals Call for Ideas, and the Southern Rail Link to Heathrow Market Sounding. The market sounding process undertaken in 2018 did not ask for detailed specific schemes to be submitted, and no procurement process has been undertaken to select a preferred scheme for Southern Access to Heathrow. The Department is working to develop an appropriate ‘market involved’ commercial model for the delivery of this scheme. This is an exciting opportunity to harness new and innovative ideas from the private sector while reducing the burden on fare and taxpayers. The Department has continued to work closely with a range of interested stakeholders on the development of SAtH, including with Heathrow Southern Rail Limited.

Railways: Infrastructure

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much civil service time is currently allocated by the Department for Transport (1) for the evaluation of market-led proposals for new railway infrastructure, and (2) for the development of processes for selecting preferred developers for any such infrastructure.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: Responsibility for the work relating to market-led proposals is part of the day to day duties undertaken by the Private Investment team within the Rail Strategy and Analysis Directorate.

Railways: Heathrow Airport

Lord Berkeley: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many proposals for rail investment other than for southern rail access to Heathrow were received in response to the Department for Transport’s call for market-led proposals, issuedon 20 March 2018; what the names ofsuch respondents were; and how many respondents have (1) contacted, and (2) been contacted by, the Department for Transport about those proposals since 13 December 2019.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Department for Transport received a total of twenty-nine proposals to the call for market-led proposals, excluding those relating to southern rail access to Heathrow. Due to commercial confidentiality we are unable to provide details of the respondents. All respondents were contacted at the time of their proposals. The Department has provided assistance to sponsors to develop their proposals and remain available to all sponsors who responded to the call for ideas. Since 13 December 2019 we are aware of engagement with one proposer.

Fishing Vessels: Ammunition

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what reports have they received about fishing vessels from the West of Scotland and Northern Ireland picking up munitions in their nets (1) from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2020, and (2) from 1 April to 21 September 2020.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency recorded twenty-six incidents of munitions being encountered at sea between 1 January 2016 and 31 March 2020, and one incident from the 1 April to 21 September 2020 in the region of the West of Scotland and Northern Ireland. In the timescale given to respond to this question we were unable to determine whether the encounters detailed above were fishing vessels finding munitions in their nets or due to other circumstances as this requires a manual review of each incident log. Unfortunately, due to the way in which the data from 2010 to 2016 is stored we will require additional time to retrieve data from prior to 2016. Munitions found at sea West of Scotland/Northern Ireland01/04-31/0301/04 - 21/092016/172017/182018/192019/202020103671

Fishing Vessels: Ammunition

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of a trawler registered in Ardglass fishing port in County Down picking up munitions in its catch on 19 September.

Baroness Vere of Norbiton: On the 19 September 2020 HM Coastguard responded to a report from the Harbour Master at Ardglass of Second World War munitions having been left at the port by a fishing vessel. The Coastguard assisted the Police Service of Northern Ireland in securing a cordon. Explosive ordinance disposal attended and removed the items for destruction.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

British Chambers of Commerce

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they were consulted by the British Chambers of Commerce prior to the decision of that organisation to remove itself fromthe Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry; what assessment they have made of that decision; and what powers they have, if any, to reverse that decision.

Lord Callanan: The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is an organisation that is independent of Her Majesty’s Government. The BCC’s membership of any other organisations is a matter for the BCC to consider and decide upon. They did not consult with the Government prior to making this decision and the Government has no power to reverse it.

Green Homes Grant Scheme

Lord Truscott: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether (1) businesses, and (2) tradespeople, have to attain the PAS 2030-2019 Specification to take part in the Green Homes Grant Scheme.

Lord Callanan: In order to participate in the Green Homes Grant voucher scheme, businesses and tradespeople installing energy efficiency measures must install measures against Publicly Available Specification (PAS) standards 2030: 2017 or 2030: 2019 by a certification body that has been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Carbon Emissions

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that waste incineration contracts do not hinder the delivery ofthetarget to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Lord Callanan: We have already made significant progress towards meeting our net zero target. Between 1990 and 2018, our economy has grown by 75% while emissions have decreased by 43% - faster than any other G7 nation. Since 2000, we have decarbonised our economy faster than any other G20 country. We met our first and second carbon budgets that were established under the Climate Change Act 2008, and we are on track to overachieve on the third. Our forthcoming sector strategies, and wider plans to deliver a green economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, will contain further proposals to put us on track to meeting carbon budgets 4 and 5. In 2018, waste management accounted for 4.6 per cent (20.7 MtCO2e) of total UK GHG emissions, showing significant achievement of a 69% decrease in emissions between 1990 and 2018. The government is seeking to make the UK a world leader in using resources efficiently and reducing the amount of waste we create as a society. Our Resources and Waste Strategy (2018) sets a clear longer-term policy direction in line with our 25 Year Environment Plan. The detailed terms of waste incineration contracts are a matter for the contracting parties.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they include carbon emissions from incineration, including energy from waste, as a separate category in their (1) calculations, and (2) international reporting, of total UK greenhouse gas emissions.

Lord Callanan: There are three categories in the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory that include greenhouse gas emissions from incineration, all of which are calculated and reported as separate categories:The incineration of municipal solid waste (MSW) in “Power Stations”;The incineration of MSW in “Miscellaneous industrial/commercial combustion”Other “Waste Incineration” that is not used for energy. In line with international guidance, carbon dioxide emissions from the incineration of the biogenic fraction of waste material are estimated, but do not contribute to total emissions reported.

Energy: White Papers

Lord Goodlad: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they plan to publish a White Paper on energy policy; and if so, when.

Lord Callanan: The Energy White Paper remains a priority for BEIS and it will be published in the autumn.

Power Stations: Coastal Areas

Lord Goodlad: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made of the potential effect of rises in sea levels on the operation of coastal power stations.

Lord Callanan: Great Britain has a reliable energy system and maintaining a safe and resilient energy supply is a key priority for this Government.The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) works with industry, regulators, sector bodies and other stakeholders to improve and maintain the resilience of the energy infrastructure, networks and assets, to reduce vulnerabilities, and ensure an effective response to actual or potentially disruptive incidents.The 2008 Climate Change Act gave the Government powers to require organisations such as electricity generating companies, to carry out climate change risk assessments on their assets, and report on how they are adapting to climate change.Through this work, generating companies have assessed that, due to the robust flood mitigation measures that have been put in place, existing assets are at low risk from climate related hazards such as flooding.Additionally, planning applications for all new build power stations must demonstrate that companies have adequately taken into account the potential impacts of climate change, in their design. This ensures that our power stations continue to remain resilient to future climate related risks.

Coronavirus: Clinical Trials

Lord Taylor of Warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of research from Radboud University Medical Center, Aarhus University and Copenhagen University that suggests sex and gender are not being adequately considered in COVID-19 clinical trials; and what steps they are taking, if any, in response.

Lord Callanan: Vaccine developers that the Government are working with decide on which specific groups to include in their trials. For instance, the University of Oxford / Astra Zeneca Phase 3 trial includes arms that specifically looks at safety and efficacy of the vaccine in those aged between 56 – 69 and over 70. For the groups that are investigated, researchers are assessing the immune response to the vaccine to find out if there is variation in how well the immune system responds in older people. In addition to the work that vaccine developers are undertaking, the Government has funded the NHS Registry, developed by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). This national registry is encouraging people who may be disproportionately affected by COVID19, such as older people, older people with underlying health conditions and people from different ethnic groups, to volunteer for clinical trials. This includes supporting the development of communications materials to provide information on taking part in COVID19 vaccine trials via the NIHR website (Be Part of Research).

Department for Education

Ofqual: Ethnic Groups

Lord Boateng: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many members of (1) the board of Ofqual, and (2) non-Board members of Ofqual's Standards Advisory Group, are BAME; and when the issue of the promotion of the study or assessment of modules about migration and the UK's colonial history was last discussed by either of those bodies.

Baroness Berridge: These are matters for Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. I have asked its acting Chief Regulator, Dame Glenys Stacey, to write to the noble Lord. A copy of her reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Special Educational Needs

Lord Storey: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1) children had Education, Health and Care (EHC) plans, and (2) new EHC plans were agreed, in (a) the 2015–16, (b) the 2016–17, (c) the 2017–18, (d) 2018–19, and (e) 2019–20, academic year; how many decisions not to provide an EHC plan were appealed; and of any such appeals, how many were upheld.

Baroness Berridge: The number of children and young people with an education, health and care (EHC) plan is collected as of January each year is in the attached Table A.The number of new EHC plans collected on a calendar year basis is in the attached Table B.Further information, from the SEN2 Survey, is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/education-health-and-care-plans.Information on how many decisions not to provide an EHC plan were appealed, and of any such appeals, how many were upheld, is not held centrally by the department.HL8426_table (pdf, 164.5KB)

The Senior Deputy Speaker

House of Lords: Furs

Baroness Gale: To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what plans there are to replace fur used in House of Lords robes with a fur substitute.

Lord McFall of Alcluith: Members may use their own robes for ceremonial occasions or hire them from outside suppliers who offer a choice of real or artificial fur. The House has a small stock of robes which members can borrow for occasions such as introduction and prorogation ceremonies. These robes have been gifted to the House over many years by former members and there is a choice of real or artificial fur. The House has no plans to purchase new robes, nor to replace any real fur in this existing stock.

House of Lords: Reviews

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock: To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker what is the estimated cost of the external management review of the House of Lords.

Lord McFall of Alcluith: The current estimate is that the External Management Review is likely to cost in the region of £100,000, based on the estimated number of days work involved, which may vary. This estimate includes the fees which will be paid to the Reviewer, as well as to any external supporting staff, but does not include the costs of any internal staff time spent working on the Review.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Libya: Detention Centres

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of people held in indefinite detention in centres in Libya.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains deeply concerned by the conditions faced by migrants and refugees in Libyan detention centres. We continue to urge the Libyan authorities to pursue alternatives to detention and implement a better functioning migration system that respects human rights. On 18 September, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimated that more than 2400 refugees and migrants were held in these centres.The UK has not provided any direct funding to detention centres in Libya. These centres are the responsibility of the Libyan authorities. Any UK assistance in detention centres has been limited to official centres to improve humanitarian conditions, such as improving water, sanitation and hygiene conditions and providing non-food items and emergency food distribution. No funding has been provided to their wider operation, day-to-day operations or management. This humanitarian assistance is part of our wider 'whole of-route' approach to protecting migrants and refugees who are travelling along the Central Mediterranean Route, which also includes work to crack down on people smuggling, support to assisted voluntary returns and intensive work to end the conflict in Libya.

Libya: Detention Centres

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatfunding, if any, they have providedto be used (1) to inspect, (2) to improve, and (3) to close, detention centres in Libya.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK remains deeply concerned by the conditions faced by migrants and refugees in Libyan detention centres. We continue to urge the Libyan authorities to pursue alternatives to detention and implement a better functioning migration system that respects human rights. On 18 September, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimated that more than 2400 refugees and migrants were held in these centres.The UK has not provided any direct funding to detention centres in Libya. These centres are the responsibility of the Libyan authorities. Any UK assistance in detention centres has been limited to official centres to improve humanitarian conditions, such as improving water, sanitation and hygiene conditions and providing non-food items and emergency food distribution. No funding has been provided to their wider operation, day-to-day operations or management. This humanitarian assistance is part of our wider 'whole of-route' approach to protecting migrants and refugees who are travelling along the Central Mediterranean Route, which also includes work to crack down on people smuggling, support to assisted voluntary returns and intensive work to end the conflict in Libya.

Libya: EU Aid

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much they contributed to EU funding used totrain and supportthe Libyan Coastguard in each of the last three years; and what estimate they have made of the total amount spent by the EU on that purpose in each of those years.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: EU training support to the Libyan Coastguard and Navy (LCGN) was provided through EU naval Operation Sophia, to which the UK made a voluntary contribution of €595,000 on 12 May 2017. No contributions were made by the UK to EU training of the LCGN after that date. LCGN training was funded out of voluntary contributions from Member States and we estimate the total amount to be approximately €3 million. The operation formally closed on 31 March 2020. It was succeeded by EU Operation IRINI, to which the UK has not contributed.

North Africa: EU Immigration

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to EU member states about policies controlling the migration of refugees and migrants from north Africa; and what discussions they have had with those states about (1) the impact of such policies on the safety ofwomen, and (2) how those policies correspond with commitments to uphold the UN Security Council Resolution 1325on Women, Peace and Security.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK continues to engage with EU members states in support of a 'whole of route' approach to reduce irregular migration and maintains a dialogue on a range of issues, including upstream intervention to reduce push factors, protecting vulnerable migrants on the move including women and children, and supporting those who want to return home. Amongst EU member states in the region, most recently, the Minister for Europe and the Americas and the Maltese Foreign Minister discussed migration on 27 July. The UK continues to champion the ethos of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), through our National Action Plan (NAP) on WPS (2018-2022). Ensuring that women's and girls' needs are more effectively met by humanitarian actors and promoting the meaningful participation and leadership of women in our humanitarian response is a strategic outcome in our NAP.

Hong Kong: Detainees

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations theyhave made to the government of China about (1) the location, and (2) the well-being, of Andy Li and eleven other young detainees who are citizens of Hong Kong.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have raised our concerns about these cases with the Chinese authorities in Hong Kong. It is essential that due process is followed. The UK remains fully committed to upholding Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech and assembly, which are guaranteed under the Joint Declaration.

West Bank: Demolition

Baroness Northover: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel about reportsthat 160 structures were demolished in the West Bankin July and August.

Baroness Northover: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made ofreports that the government of Israel is demolishing water, sanitation and hygiene structures used by Palestinians in the West Bank.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is concerned by the continued demolition of Palestinian property and structures by Israeli authorities. In all but the most exceptional of circumstances demolitions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. The practice causes unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians and is harmful to the peace process. Officials from our Embassy in Tel Aviv have repeatedly raised our concerns about demolitions with Israeli Ministers and senior officials, and urged them to cease the counter-productive policy of demolitions. We call on Israel to provide a clear, transparent route to construction for Palestinians in Area C.

Myanmar: Genocide

The Lord Bishop of St Albans: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the UN Human Rights CouncilReport of the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar, published inSeptember 2018,and in particular the recommendation that senior generals of the Myanmar military be investigated and prosecuted for genocide; and what support theyplan to provide tothe case brought by the government of The Gambiaagainst thegovernmentof Myanmar currently before the International Court of Justice.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK played a key role in establishing the UN Fact Finding Mission (UNFFM), we support its findings and have worked with partners to try and implement its recommendations. We are clear that the Myanmar military is responsible for a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya. This is why the UK has sanctioned the six individuals named by the UNFFM, including the Myanmar military's Commander-in-Chief and Deputy Commander-in-Chief. We are clear that those who committed atrocities should be held to account. In the absence of a transparent and credible domestic process, all options should remain on the table. There is currently insufficient support at the UN Security Council for a referral to the International Criminal Court.The UK supports the International Court of Justice process and publicly welcomed the provisional measures ruling which calls on Myanmar to do more to protect the Rohingya. We provided financial support to enable a group of Rohingya refugees to attend the hearings in The Hague in December last year.

USA: Iran

The Marquess of Lothian: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of the United States since 21 September to discuss that government's (1) policy towards, and (2) sanctions on, Iran.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK regularly discusses with the US a variety of issues related to Iran, including our shared concerns about Iran's nuclear programme, Iran's destabilising activities in the region and the various sanctions programmes targeting Iran. These discussions take place at all levels of government, including recently during the Foreign Secretary's visit to Washington in early September.

UN Security Council: Powers

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 21 September (HL8043 and HL8044) and their commitments under the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency Group's Code of Conduct, what plans they have to review their position on the determination of genocide.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is committed to the principle that there must be no impunity for perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. Any determination as to whether war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide have occurred is a matter for competent courts after consideration of all the evidence available in the context of a credible judicial process. We do not plan to review the position on the determination of genocide.

Ministers: Correspondence

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 23 September (HL Deb, col 1834),to (1) send a copy of the Minister's letter to the World Health Organization to the Members who participated in the oral question asked by the Bishop of St Albans on 23 September, and (2) place a copy of that letter in the Library of the House.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We consult and exchange correspondence with a wide range of international organisations, including the World Health Organisation, on the basis of confidentiality. In order to maintain working relationships with these organisations, we do not publish such correspondence.

UN Security Council: Powers

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answers by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 21 September (HL8043 and HL8044), what criteria they use to determine when genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes have been perpetrated to inform their decision not to veto any credible UN Security Council resolution in line with their commitments under the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency Group's Code of Conduct.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: Indications of the existence of atrocity crimes, or the risk that they may be committed, will form part of Her Majesty's Government's overall assessment of a situation. In so doing, it will draw upon a variety of sources of information, including reporting by international organisations with particular expertise on these matters, such as the UN. It will be a matter for properly constituted courts to make legal determinations of whether atrocity crimes have taken place, using criteria defined by relevant international legal instruments such as the Genocide Convention and Rome Statute.

Southern Africa: Overseas Aid

Lord Oates: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to work with other countries to draw up a strategy for the delivery of aid in southern Africa which would (1) promote democracy and human rights, and (2) help to deliver prosperity to the people of that region.

Baroness Sugg: HMG is a leader on aid and development in southern Africa. We will continue to work in close partnership with African countries and international partners - including the African Union, UN, EU and US - on delivering aid across the region. Our Missions in the Region are engaged in extensive work to promote democracy, human rights and prosperity, working closely with other countries.

Navid Afkari

Lord Moynihan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Iran about the execution of Navid Afkari on 12 September.

Lord Moynihan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether Navid Afkari had a fair trial in Iran prior to his execution.

Lord Moynihan: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the execution of Navid Afkari on the human rights situation in Iran, in particular, on the right to a fair trial.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The execution of Navik Afkari by the Iranian authorities was deplorable. The UK Government made clear its public condemnation of the action on 12 September. The UK Government is firmly opposed to the death penalty in all circumstances and in every country, as a matter of principle, and we unreservedly support the right to peaceful protest. Iran's human rights record is of serious and longstanding concern to the UK. The continued use of the death penalty, weak rule of law and restrictions on freedoms of expression remain deeply worrying. We share the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Iran's concerns that death sentences were handed down and/or implemented following proceedings that did not comply with fair trial and due process safeguards. The UK is committed to holding Iran to account on a wide range of human rights issues, including the right to a fair trial. We will continue to take action with the international community to press Iran to improve its poor record on all human rights issues.

Palestinians: Schools

Baroness Tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the arrangements put in place for the education of Palestinian children whose schools have been demolished by the government of Israel in the last five years.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: In all but the most exceptional of circumstances demolitions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. The practice of demolitions (and confiscations) causes unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians and is harmful to the peace process. The UK does not undertake a specific assessment of the impact of demolitions on the education of Palestinian children, but the UK does support education in the OPTs.UK Aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) helps to ensure it can deliver essential services, including the provision of education by contributing to the salaries of carefully vetted teachers and education workers in the West Bank.

Palestinians: Schools

Baroness Tonge: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon on 24 September (HL8095), whatsupport they plan to give to the Palestinian Authority to enable the continued provision ofeducation for Palestinian children whose school buildings have been demolished by the Israel Defence Force in Area C of the West Bank.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: In all but the most exceptional of circumstances demolitions are contrary to International Humanitarian Law. The practice of demolitions (and confiscations) causes unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians and is harmful to the peace process. The UK does not undertake a specific assessment of the impact of demolitions on the education of Palestinian children, but the UK does support education in the OPTs.UK Aid to the Palestinian Authority (PA) helps to ensure it can deliver essential services, including the provision of education by contributing to the salaries of carefully vetted teachers and education workers in the West Bank.

Libya: Refugees

Lord Hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they intend to have with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees aboutspeeding up the evacuation process of women and other vulnerable people among the registered refugees in Libya

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The UK is supportive of UNHCR's work to evacuate vulnerable migrants through the Emergency Transit Mechanisms (ETMs). The UK works closely with UNHCR to provide support to vulnerable refugees in Libya through the FCDO Safety, Support and Solutions Phase II (SSSII) Programme and through the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF). UK officials are regularly in contact with UNHCR on delivery of both programmes.Through our contribution to the EUTF, the UK supports UNHCR indirectly to conduct life-saving evacuations of targeted groups of extremely vulnerable people who have been subject to serious violations of their human rights.

China: Uighurs

Lord Anderson of Ipswich: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have (1) to support the establishment of, (2) to attend, and (3) to provide evidence to, the independent tribunal established by Sir Geoffrey Nice QC to examine whether the Uighur people are being subjected to genocide.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We have serious concerns about gross violations of human rights occurring in Xinjiang and welcome any work that is rigorous, balanced and raises awareness of the situation faced by Uyghurs and other minorities in China. We are aware of this initiative by Sir Geoffrey Nice QC, and will study any resulting report carefully.

Department for Work and Pensions

Disability: Coronavirus

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessmentthey have made of the effect on disabled people of the COVID-19pandemic.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: The Government is committed to supporting disabled people affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. We continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 on disabled people using existing and new data sources.The Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work has had discussions with charities, disabled people's organisations and individuals to understand the range of experiences disabled people have had during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the support needed as lockdown restrictions are eased.We are ensuring that disabled people continue to have access to disability benefits, food, medicines, essentials, accessible communications, updated guidance, including workplace and transport related guidance, as well as financial and other support during the COVID-19 outbreak.The Government continues to provide disability employment support through initiatives such as Access to Work, Disability Confident, the Work and Health Programme, Intensive Personalised Employment Support, and other forms of support that disabled people need to retain, adapt and move into employment.The Cabinet Office Disability Unit continues to work with disability stakeholders and across Government Departments to ensure that the needs of disabled people are considered in the UK Government’s response to COVID-19. We are clear that consideration of equality impacts must be integral in all key policy decisions. All equality and discrimination laws and obligations continue to apply during the COVID-19 pandemic.We will publish the National Strategy for Disabled People taking into account the impacts of the pandemic on disabled people. The Strategy will focus on the issues that disabled people say affect them the most in all aspects and phases of life, including employment, housing, education and transport.

Bereavement Benefits

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government where there is a publicly available list of state benefits and other financial support available to bereaved families.

Baroness Stedman-Scott: The ‘What to do when someone dies’ section of the GOV.UK website provides a step-by-step interactive website guide on what to do after a death, including how to manage financial issues. This guide covers the financial support available to help with paying for a funeral and how to check entitlement to bereavement benefits. The guide also contains a link to benefits calculators to work out entitlement to other state benefits based on individual household circumstances.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Flood Control: Somerset

Lord Patten: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much money they have allocated for flood defences and further related mitigation measures in the Somerset Levels in the current financial year; and what current schemes are underway to mitigate flooding in the area.

Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park: This current financial year, £4.7 million of capital flood defence capital grant in aid (FDGiA) has been allocated for flood defences and further related mitigation measures on the Somerset Levels and Moors. This funding is being used to progress schemes such as the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier and Dunball sluice refurbishment, as well as works to flood defence reservoirs and pumping station improvements. In addition, a further £0.5 million of capital funding has been allocated for the recondition of existing flood defence assets. £3.5 million of revenue FDGiA has been allocated for maintenance and operation of flood defence assets. This is supplemented by £0.5 million of Internal Drainage Board precept. On behalf of the Somerset Rivers Authority, the Environment Agency and the Somerset Consortium of Internal Drainage Boards are also delivering £4 million of capital works to increase channel conveyance on the River Sowy and King Sedgemoor Drain, and to dredge a further section of the River Parrett.

Home Office

Undocumented Migrants: Coronavirus

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether migrants crossing the English Channel who are detained by the UK Border Agency receive a COVID-19 test.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: Since we introduced quarantine measures in June, those who have come to the UK in illegally facilitated crossings have been placed in facilities where they must self-isolate for 14 days, given we cannot be certain which countries they have travelled through.Anyone who is symptomatic will be taken to designated accommodation and tested according to Public Health England guidance.All immigration removal centres have communicable disease contingency plans, based on guidance by Public Health England (PHE). Measures such as protective shielding, improved hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are being used to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading to vulnerable groups in IRCs.On 26 March the High Court ruled that the Home Office was taking sensible, precautionary measures in relation to COVID-19 and immigration detention.

Immigration Controls: USA

Lord Alton of Liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessmentthey have made of the decision by the government of the United States to impose visa restrictions on Nigerians they claim have undermined the democratic process in Nigeria; andwhatplans they have to impose similar such restrictions.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Government notes the decision of the United States to impose visa restrictions on certain Nigerian citizens.The Home Secretary can exclude a non-European Economic Area national where it is conducive to the public good. The UK Immigration Rules also provide for the refusal of a visa application if a person’s character, conduct or associations make it undesirable to permit them entry to the UK.In addition, the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 allows the UK to impose autonomous sanctions, including travel bans, for a number of reasons, including to promote respect for democracy, the rule of law and good governance.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Domestic Abuse: Coronavirus

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial support they have provided to local authorities to address any additional demand on domestic abuse servicesas a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lord Greenhalgh: Government provided £4.3 billion to local authorities to help them respond to coronavirus (COVID-19) spending pressures. This includes increasing support for services helping the most vulnerable, such as victims of domestic abuse.We also put in place a system for local authorities that are struggling to meet additional demand due to COVID-19, enabling them to book rooms for domestic abuse victims.

Local Government: Procurement

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they intend to have with local authorities about the case for changingprocurement policies to ensure that local specialist services including BME refuges for victims of domestic violence continue to receive contracts.

Lord Greenhalgh: Depending on the value of any specific contracting opportunity, local authorities will need to comply with the general principles of procurement outlined in the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. This includes a regulatory responsibility to apply equal treatment to bidding organisations. Local authorities are also required to consider the Social Value Act as part of their contracting processes.My officials have held workshops with local authorities from across the country to support them in preparing for the implementation of the new duty, including discussions on the importance of assessing the needs of all victims and providing specialist domestic abuse services as required. We will continue to work closely with local authorities and the sector.

Domestic Abuse: Refuges

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessmentthey havemade of the number of specialist BME refuges for victims of domestic violence that have closed in the last 12 months as a result of local authorities switching contracts to larger generic charities.

Lord Greenhalgh: The Government does not hold this data centrally. Local authorities often make commissioning decisions based on their specific local needs.The Government recognises the support that BAME specialist refuges provide for victims of domestic abuse and their children. During 2020/21 we have funded and supported specialist refuges, including BAME specialist services, through our £10 million domestic abuse COVID-19 emergency funding.

Cabinet Office

Uk Government Union Capability Independent Review

Lord Lexden: To ask Her Majesty's Government when the Dunlop Review of UK Government Union Capability will be published.

Lord True: As the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office stated to the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on 10 September, we will publish the Dunlop Review before the end of the year.We are in the process of implementing many of Lord Dunlop’s recommendations and we will set out that work when we publish the report.

Electoral Register: Young People

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage young people to register to vote.

Lord True: Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) have the statutory responsibility for maintaining complete and accurate registers for their areas. The Government is committed to encouraging democratic engagement amongst all electors, including young people, and we want to build upon recent record levels of individuals registering to vote for elections. Our Register to Vote website is widely used by young people, with almost 8 million online applications submitted by 16-24 year olds since the service was introduced in 2014.

Elections: Coronavirus

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have in place to facilitate the postponement of (1) local, (2) mayoral, and (3) Police and Crime Commissioner, elections in May 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussionsthey have had with the (1) Scottish, and (2) Welsh, Government about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on any elections due to be held in May 2021.

Lord Roberts of Llandudno: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have in place to ensure that polling stations comply with COVID-19safety measures.

Lord True: The Government has been working closely with key electoral stakeholders, as well as Public Health England and representatives of political parties, regarding local and mayoral elections in England and the Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales in May 2021.

Local Government

Viscount Waverley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to strengthen (1) the role, and (2) the democratic accountability of local resilience forums.

Lord True: Whilst the COVID-19 response continues, there is no immediate intention to review local resilience structures under the Civil Contingencies Act (CCA) or its associated duties placed on Category 1 and 2 responders. However, given the scale and challenges emergency responders have faced in dealing with COVID-19, we will consider any strengthening of arrangements as part of the legal requirement placed upon Cabinet Office by Regulation 59 of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (Contingency Planning) Regulations 2005 to conduct an assessment of regulations at least every five years. The next review must be completed by March 2022.

Treasury

Business: Coronavirus

Baroness Kennedy of Cradley: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the support (1) banks, and (2) other financial institutions, are providing to businesses trading in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lord Agnew of Oulton: To support businesses and relieve pressure on their finances and cashflow, the government launched three loan guarantee schemes to give banks and other lenders the confidence they need to lend to businesses: the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), and Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS). As of 20 September, over £57bn has been approved under the three schemes. On the 24th September, the Chancellor announced an extension to the deadline for new loan applications for CBILS, CLBILS, BBLS and the Future Fund to 30 November. The Government also recognise the vital role that non-banks and challenger banks play in the provision of credit to SMEs. We are grateful for the way the sector has responded to the current crisis, and we remain committed to promoting competition and widening the funding options available to UK businesses.

Recognised Clearing Houses

Lord Myners: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the letter from 18 March 2019 by the Systemic Risk Council to theFinancial Stability Board in response to that Board's discussion paper on the resolution of central counterparty clearing houses; and what plans they have toreview capital adequacy and the effectiveness of incentives to prevent failure.

Lord Agnew of Oulton: The UK is committed to maintaining the highest international and domestic standards of financial regulation, including for central counterparties (CCPs). The UK continues to play an active role in setting the international standards related to the recovery and resolution of CCPs. The UK was one of the first jurisdictions to have a domestic recovery and resolution regime in place, and we continue to keep this framework under review to ensure it effectively mitigates and prevents failure.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Conferences and Events Industry: Coronavirus

Baroness Doocey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the financial impact on the hospitality sectorof the decision to not permit conferences, exhibitions and events to take place.

Baroness Barran: We recognise that the events industry and its supply chain has been severely impacted by Covid-19. We continue to engage with the stakeholders, including through the Visitor Economy Working Group and the Events Industry Senior Leaders Advisory Panel, to monitor the situation. As with all aspects of the Government’s response to Covid-19, our decisions have been and will continue to be based on scientific evidence and public health assessments.Events businesses can continue to make use of the broader support package available to them. This includes the Bounce Back Loans scheme, the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.Meetings of up to 30 can still take place in permitted venues, as per the Covid-19 Secure guidance for the visitor economy.

Tourism: Job Support Scheme

Baroness Doocey: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take to address concerns from the tourism industry, including from tour operators, about employeeswho are unable to meet the requirement to work at least 33 per cent of their usual hours to qualify for support from the Job Support Scheme.

Baroness Barran: We recognise that these are extremely challenging conditions for businesses in the tourism sector, including tour operators. We continue to closely monitor the situation.While it will not be possible to preserve every job or business, the Chancellor’s recent package of targeted measures will help businesses to protect jobs and manage their finances in the face of reduced or uncertain demand.Tour operators have been able to access the Government’s comprehensive economic support package, which includes the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme until the end of October. It also includes a significant cut to VAT for most tourism and hospitality activities until the end of March.We are offering impacted businesses generous terms for the repayment of deferred taxes and government-backed loans, as well as extending the application window of the government-backed loan schemes.We are continuing to engage across Government and with stakeholders to assess how we can most effectively support the recovery of tourism across the UK.

Ministry of Justice

Criminal Proceedings: Coronavirus

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on (1) service users, and (2) victims in the criminal justice system.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: I refer the noble Lady to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Justice Alex Chalk MP’s statement in the other place on 22 September:The Government is determined that victims should receive the help and support they need to cope and recover during the pandemic. In addition to existing funding, the Government has provided £76 million to support victims of modern slavery, domestic abuse and sexual violence, as well as vulnerable children and young people. We have set up the victims and witnesses silver command, which consists of the Victims’ Commissioner, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and others, to identify needs fast and deliver support to the frontline.

Youth Custody: Coronavirus

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effect of theCOVID-19 pandemic onyoung people in custody.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook: The safety and wellbeing of the children and young people in custody remains a top priority during this unprecedented period. We are very sensitive of the difficulties many children in custody will have experienced as a result of Covid-19, and the necessary measures taken to protect children and staff and follow physical distancing requirements. The Youth Custody Service (YCS) have communicated with staff and children to ensure they are aware and understand the reasoning as to why such measures have had to occur.During this time, ‘SECURE STAIRS’ - the integrated framework of care jointly led by NHS England and NHS Improvement and the YCS - has adapted its approach to meet the needs of children, whilst adhering to physical distancing.Having initially focused on delivering essential activities such as regular phone calls (with young people having been allocated additional free phone credits) access to showers, entertainment and education materials, and time in the fresh air, delivery of ‘face to face’ education and social visits are being prioritised across our sites, as we progress with Covid-19 recovery work. The YCS is working closely with its partners to further expand the regime in a safe, sustainable and flexible manner, whilst ensuring that the safety of children and staff remains paramount.We are also carrying out work to ensure that lessons learned from the Covid-19 period are taken into account going forwards. The YCS have commissioned a programme of research, in collaboration with academics, to evaluate and learn lessons from the impact and response to Covid-19 and the results will inform their recovery planning.